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CAMPUS NOTES

The First-Gen Coalition is looking for new staff and faculty members. Were you a first-generation college student? Do you have a passion for supporting first-gen students? . You’ll meet periodically to discuss ways that we can support our first-gen students.

The President’s Office will host a coffee break before Convocation on Monday, August 25, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the Johnson Student Center Rose Hills Plaza. The Taiko Drummers will kick off the procession into Thorne Hall at 10 a.m. 

 

OXY NEWSMAKERS

Occidental Students Tackle Real-World Challenges Through Summer Research
Occidental’s Summer Research Program offers students the opportunity to engage in funded, faculty-mentored research. This year’s projects address urgent questions—from understanding how substance abuse alters plasticity in the brain to designing fire-resilient landscapes and advancing renewable energy.

Nine Occidental Alumni Receive Fulbrights
Nine recent �������� graduates, including seven members of the Class of 2025, recently received awards from the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which facilitates cultural exchange by supporting research, graduate study, and English language instruction abroad.

Occidental Alumni Entering Top Medical Schools with Full Scholarships
Through personalized support and a strong liberal arts foundation, �������� pre-health students are gaining admission—and full scholarships—to top medical schools across the country. Many share the mission of delivering quality care to marginalized communities.

Occidental Rocks Italy: Geology students dig into plate tectonics in Calabria
Two geology majors traveled with their professor to southern Italy to study tectonic plate movements through mineral dating. They enjoyed cappuccinos, volcano views, and fieldwork in the sun.
 

HR CORNER

Student employment for the academic year begins August 17, 2025, and runs through May 9, 2026.

Below is the latest list of arrivals and departures from April 22-August 19:

Arrivals:
Warren Anderson, Vice President for Community and Equity
Brittany Garcia, Campus Safety Officer
Jose Guzman, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources
Edith Hong, Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts
Mia Islas, Assistant Director for Career Education and Advising, Career Center
Jessica Juarez, Resident Director, Residence Life
LaTesha Knighten, Assistant Director for Career Education and Advising, Career Center
Samuel Ludwig, Supervisor, Grounds
Cameron McMullen, Assistant Baseball Coach/Recruitment Coordinator/PHAC
Tom Monahan, Executive Assistant, Community and Equity/Office of Marketing and Communications
Pilar Montenegro, Survivor Advocate, Project SAFE
Daniela Navin, Associate Director of HR Benefits
Carrie O’Connor, Associate Registrar
Sylvanna Ortiz, Associate Teacher, Child Development Center
Kayla Richardson, Operations Supervisor, Intercollegiate Athletics
Laura Rosales, Campus Safety Officer
Brandilyn Small, Prospect Research Analyst, Donor Research
Sabrina Sterbis, Residence Director, Residence Life
Christopher Watson, Director, Associate Gift Plan Administration & Stewardship, Gift Planning
Erika White, Associate Director, Advancement Services
Ines Velasquez Cordova, Cleaning Services

Departures:
Ayla Ahman, Training Quarter
Petra Arreola, Cleaning Services
Fernando Becerra, Neighborhood Partnership Program
Dana Brandsey, Alumni and Parent Engagement
Guillermo Castro, Campus Dining
Claudia Conde, Campus Safety
Laura Crescenzo, President’s Office Events
Maggie Dillon, Biology
Anel Farias, Pre-Health Advising
Jessie Fontana-Maisel, Admission
Jonisha Garcia, Urban and Environmental Program
Tiffany Hall, SLICE
Monica Jones, Tiger Cooler
Allison Keeler, Donor Research
Zoe Kitchel, Vantuna Research Group
Dylan Lee, Chemistry
Kathy Lopez, Alumni and Parent Engagement
Priscilla Lutz, Career Center
Mario Markwin, Admission
Jose Martinez, Campus Dining
Kira McLean, Neighborhood Partnership Program
Tu’Shuna McMichael, Sponsored Research Office
Karen Oajaca, Campus Dining
Michelle Obergfoll, Disability Services
Karen Oliva, Neighborhood Partnership Program
Carpenter Pagett, Baseball
Jacqueline Pantoja Romero, Neighborhood Partnership Program
Suzanne Rivecca, Corporate and Foundation Gifts
Taisandra Robles, Child Development Center
Danielle Sharkey, Admission
Jair Solis Hernandez, Cleaning Services
Courtney Stricklin Burgan, Admission
Rick Tanksley, Campus Safety
 

SHOUTOUTS

From Brandon Lehr, associate dean for curricular affairs and associate professor of economics: “A huge shoutout to Ed Johnson (director of academic advising and Core Program coordinator) for his incredible work and partnership in running the Core Program last year! As it was my first year, I had a lot of questions and Ed always had the answers. His dedication, knowledge, and thoughtfulness guaranteed an amazing experience for our students. I’m excited for continued collaboration as you take on your new role as senior director of advising.”

From Kristi Upson-Saia, associate dean for faculty affairs and David B. and Mary H. Gamble Professor of Religious Studies: “The Humanities for Just Communities initiative would like to express our warmest gratitude to our summer research faculty mentors—Associate Professor Ben Weiss (sociology), Assistant Professor Season Blake (philosophy), and Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow Claire Grossman (English)—for their dedication to their research groups’ intellectual development at this crucial time in their undergraduate careers and lives. And a huge thanks to Marina Libel, our grant manager, who is the backbone of HJC’s success!”

From Mariška Bolyanatz Brown, associate professor of Spanish and French studies: “Many thanks to the International Programs Office team (Robin Craggs, Marisa Mofford, Julie Santos, and Christina Altamirano) who have spent the summer supporting international students as they navigate complexities relating to visas, travel restrictions, and more. Thank you for all you do for our international community!”

From Natalie (Kolodinski) Greenhouse, senior director of advancement services: “Our team is a Sapphire Award Recipient for the Aspire Awards for the Association for Advancement Services Professionals for our innovative solution: A Model for 100% Gift Stewardship and Confronting the Challenges of Third Party Giving. This national honor, awarded in the Prospect Development category, recognizes Occidental’s innovative, cross-functional approach to ensuring every donor—regardless of how a gift is processed—is acknowledged personally, equitably, and on time. The team will be officially recognized at the 2025 AASP Summit this September.”

From Shana Goffredi, professor of biology: “Emily Ventura (lab manager, biology) expertly organized numerous Bioscience space renovations, big and small, including the decommissioning of a 30-year old lab with a boat load of electronic waste, recyclables and glassware. She also had to pick up extra hours to accommodate the departure of a staff member mid-semester. Emily is a supportive and available colleague and is always ready to help. We could not have managed without her and we are in an amazing position to start the new academic year.”

From Devon Sakamoto: “Congratulations to Lizzy Denny (director of Project SAFE and Survivor Advocacy), who has been selected to present at both the North American Restorative Conference and the International Institute for Restorative Practices World Conference this fall, with her workshop titled "Restorative Solutions for Cases of Campus Sexual Misconduct." These workshops highlight Lizzy's passion for and expertise in the areas of restorative practices and survivor-centered work, specifically related to issues of sexual misconduct and the curriculum she developed and utilizes with various populations here at ��������. Well done, Lizzy!”

From Mary Christianakis, professor of critical theory and social justice: “A huge shoutout to Audrey Navarro (department services coordinator, Writing Center), whose diligence and organization made all the difference in managing receipts and reimbursements for both the CHIRLA interns and the students working with immigrant rights organizations in Greece. The logistics were complex with two groups, two continents, multiple currencies, and stacks of paperwork, and Audrey handled it all seamlessly. Her support ensured that the programs could run smoothly and that the students and faculty could focus on their learning and advocacy work without added stress. Professor Movindri Reddy and I are especially grateful for her attention to detail and the patience she brought to the process.

“To the incredible Multicultural Summer Institute staff (Vanessa Gonzalez-Wright, Aly Escobar-Araujo, Danielle Harris, Andrew Guerrero), we are so grateful for the warmth, dedication, and thoughtfulness you brought to every aspect of the MSI. Your work behind the scenes coordinating events, building community, and thoughtfully connecting the curriculum to students’ lived experiences helped welcome a new class of students into Occidental with a sense of belonging and purpose. Your presence was steady, intentional, and deeply felt by the students and faculty alike. 

“Finally, it’s hard to capture just how essential Sylvia Chico (Senior Program Coordinator, Urban and Environmental Policy) is to the success of the Justice Summer Internships, but here’s an attempt. Sylvia does the heavy lifting that most people never see, but that every student and faculty member benefits from. From organizing budgets to shepherding applications, from hand-delivering letters to students to ensuring timely payment and budget troubleshooting, Sylvia does it all with precision and care. She even showed up to support our students as they presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference, which speaks volumes about her commitment to their growth.”